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Sean Penn, who was recently close to the front lines of the war in Ukraine, is playing a fictionalized version of himself in satirical Australian series “C*A*U*G*H*T.” The show is an original production for Australian streamer Stan and has now started production in Sydney’s Fox Studios.
The six-part series follows four Australian soldiers sent on a secret mission to a war-torn country. Mistaken for Americans, they are captured by freedom fighters and produce a hostage video that goes viral. When the soldiers reach celebrity status, they realize that being caught might just be the best thing that could’ve happened to them.
The series is written, directed and produced by Australian actor and film maker Kick Gurry (“Edge of Tomorrow”) who will star alongside Penn.
Penn also executive produces the show alongside producers John and Michael Schwarz (“Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan”, “Gold”) from Deeper Water Films, and Brendan Donoghue. The series is produced in association with Fremantle which will handle international distribution.
“Kick’s brand of irreverence is so charged by an enthusiasm for all things considered inappropriate. From ball-sacks, to fame, idiots and intellectuals, and finally to that creepy-crawly continuum of war,” said Penn in a statement. “ ‘C*A*U*G*H*T’ captures the comedy that is generally confined to fox holes.”
Penn was in Ukraine for several weeks between February and April this year, filming a documentary about Russia’s invasion of the country. During that period, he met Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has used online media appearances to woo global opinion and gather support for a battle of resistance.
Also joining the cast of ‘C*A*U*G*H*T’ is Matthew Fox (“Lost,” “Last Light”), and an extensive Australian cast including Bella Heathcote (“Pieces of Her”), Erik Thomson (“Black Snow”), Ben O’Toole ( “Detroit”), Lincoln Younes (“Last King of the Cross”), Fayssal Bazzi (“Stateless”) and veteran Bryan Brown.
The series will stream on Stan in Australia and the U.K’s new streaming service ITVX in 2023.
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